CHAPTER 29: Alice's Fashion Show
"Bella! Can you get me more pins? Look for Angelo, he should have extras." Alice has been firing orders and requests at me all day. Good thing I don't get flustered easily when it comes to work—and this, I consider work. I may be clumsy but I usually do well under pressure and deadlines, which I would say I get from Charlie. He's always been calm and composed—a necessity, he says, for being a sheriff in Forks. He, himself, is not one to easily be intimidated. I suppose like father, like daughter.
After I pretty much pushed Alice out of our gigantic bed to wake her, she hit Energizer Bunny mode and has been running around nonstop making sure her clothes were perfect before the actual show started. Rows and rows of makeup stations fill the back with makeup artists and hairstylists getting the models ready. Alice also looks like she got more of a goodnight's rest than I did. I keep a bottle of water on hand to hydrate myself from last night's activities so I'm alert. All the rush back stage and trying not to trip and ruin the set also keeps my mind slightly distracted from Edward. I still can't reach him. I'm trying not worry but not getting a hold of him has me thinking all sorts of bad things.
"Stop it, Bella," Alice whizzes past me.
"Huh?"
She's checking something off her checklist with a measuring tape around her neck. "You're thinking about Edward again. I told you not to worry about it. At least not right now." How did she know that? I'm quietly standing in the corner pretending to go over my own checklist. I thought I was doing a pretty good job looking distracted, hard at work. The Hobbit finally looks up from what she's doing. "I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation. I'll see if I can get a hold of him tomorrow. If not, I'll try Emmett. Okay?"
"Okay. Thanks Alice." She's brought back some relief to my burdened heart. Maybe he accidentally lost his phone, that's why it's disconnected. I forgot Emmett is not only their older brother but Edward's agent as well. He's bound to have his phone on him at all times. And if not him, there's always Rosalie who has her own cell phone glued to her hands.
My mood's lifted after Alice's comforting words, and I finally relax a little. There's a new beat in my step as I follow her around, checking on the things she's asking me to do. It's hectic backstage and was super overwhelming at first, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of things. Alice says during the fall showcase, you're suppose to present your spring line for the following year, but because her winter line will be showcased at Neiman Marcus around the U.S. for a few months, she's letting the public know what to expect at the stores now. Like mother, like daughter.
"Alice!" The woman's voice among the crowd gets both of our attention. A woman with waving, caramel-colored hair approaches us with a smile. Her face is heart-shaped with dimples. She also has a slender but rounded figure with a warm, compassionate look about her. She appears to be around my height. I know exactly who she is.
"Mother!" Alice exclaims. She meets her halfway for a tight embrace. You can tell they missed each other. My friend really looks like a little girl besides her mother. "I'm so glad you could make it!"
"Of course, sweetheart. I wouldn't miss your first big show here in Milan." She caresses her arm and smiles warmly like a mother would who's proud of her child.
"How's dad doing?"
"He's fine. Stuck at the hospital as usual. You know your father," she chuckles.
"Oh! There's someone you must meet." While I thought I'd remain invisible for a while, she remembers me. My heart is beating a few notches faster as her mother looks directly at me. I give her a pathetic little wave and a half-smile. "This is Bella—Edward's…girlfriend. Bella this is my mother, Esme Cullen, also known as Esme Evenson to the public."
"Bella, it's such a pleasure to finally meet you," she extends her hand to me.
I shake her hand nervously. Her hand is soft and she gives my hand a soft squeeze. "You as well, Mrs. Evenson—err—Mrs. Cullen…"
"Please, just call me Esme," she smiles. "Edward's told me so much about you."
"Oh…" I blush, not knowing what else to say or do but look down at the floor. What exactly has your son told you?
She softly chuckles at my awkward stance. "He's quite taken with you." The blush on my face turns another shade of red. Luckily, the lights are dim backstage.
"See—told you, Bella." Alice winks at me. I want to glare at her for adding to my embarrassment but I don't want to seem rude in front of her mother.
"Ten minutes, everyone!" someone with a headset yells to the models and crew around the stage. He looks at Alice in particular. She nods curtly.
"Well, I better get to my seat. Good luck, sweetie," Esme kisses Alice on the cheek. "I'll see you girls after the show."
"This is it, Bella!" the Hobbit squeals with a small jump in the air. She doesn't look a bit nervous, more anxious and excited for her first show.
"Good luck!" I smile at her.
"Thanks," she gives my hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll take care of the rest back here during the show. Go and have a seat next to my mother."
"What?" I'm slightly confused on what she's asking me to do. I thought I was supposed to remain back here with her as her newly appointed assistant? The thought of also sitting next to Esme Evenson—greatest fashion designer on the planet—gives me the butterflies.
"You've been such a big help today, Bella. You've been on point with everything I've asked you to do and I'm so grateful you agreed to be my assistant! Since this is your first show, too, I want you to enjoy it in the audience. You'll be backstage plenty enough times to see this over and over again. It's really a different experience when you're watching it from out there than when you're back here running around with your head chopped off." She waves her hand in the air for effect. "I've saved you a seat next to my mother in the front row. Your name should be on it."
A reserved seat just for me in the front row among the greatest fashion designers and icons known to man…is she pulling my leg? I have no right to be sitting in the front with those people. I should be in the nose bleed section, far away where the models look like ants. "Are…you sure?"
"Of course, I am," she furrows her eyebrows at me for second guessing her. "Now, go! The show's about to start any minute now." She shoos me away toward the side entrance that also serves as the exit to the main floor.
I peek around the corner and see people taking their seats and waving to others they recognize sitting across the walkway. There are so many designers and celebrities here that I feel so out of place. Some glance at me as I pass, probably wondering what a small town girl like me is doing at a prestigious gathering such as this. I'm thankful that Alice dressed me this morning. At least I blend in enough with her own clothing design she's put me in.
"Bella! Over here," Esme waves to me. Finally, a familiar face. Her warm smile invites me over to the seat next to her. I notice a bouquet of beautiful flowers in front of her feet. She probably means to give them to Alice after the show. "Nervous?" she asks with a small, crooked grin. Now I know who her actor-son gets it from.
"A little," I smile timidly. "Am I that obvious?"
"Don't worry about the crowd. I felt out of place, too, in the beginning—before my sketches were ever seen. When I was around your age, the designer I was interning for allowed me to sit next to her at a fashion show in New York. Everyone kept staring at me, wondering who I was. I definitely felt like I was in the big leagues." I nod knowing exactly how she felt because I feel that way right now. I see a few cameras flash our way, blinding me in the dimly lit audience. I'm hoping they're taking pictures of Esme and not me. I'd rather stay low key tonight and every other night for that matter.
Blaring music of Maroon 5 enters my eardrums signaling the start of the show. Alice walks to the end of the runway greeting everyone, which get her applauses. She thanks the crowd for attending and tells us how excited and delighted she is that everyone was able to make it out night. She looks beautiful and glowing on stage, like she was a pro at this. She briefly winks at me before disappearing back stage. Shortly thereafter, the models start making their entrance onto the stage one-by-one. More cameras flash and the media cameras start rolling.
Alice's designs are beautiful and form fitting. Most of her clothes are really comfortable as well. I should know since she's my own personal stylist. The outfit I'm wearing tonight she designed especially for me. It blends with the colors of her winter lineup but my outfit is unique and one of a kind. It's a present for my first day as her assistant. I noticed a few people discreetly staring up and down at me, most likely wondering about my attire. Yes, people, I'm wearing Alice Brandon also known as Alice Cullen tonight. Be jealous!
After all the models are done showing off her clothes, my pixie-haired friend walks out behind them, waving and blowing kisses to everyone. Her mother leans onstage to give her the bouquet of flowers, which Alice beams at and blows her a kiss. We wave to each other before she disappears backstage again. I'm so proud of her. Everyone seems to be saying positive things about her designs. I excuse myself from Esme to go see Alice and give her a big congratulatory hug. Her mother is currently busy chatting it up with other designers so she just gives my arms a light squeeze telling me she'll join us momentarily.
"That was great!" I gather Alice in my arms for a bear hug. She hugs me back with equal force.
"Wasn't it?" she chuckles. "It was so thrilling!" Before we can get into how great of a show it was, the media has swarmed around us. I step away into the shadows so they can focus on her. They ask her questions about her line, her inspiration and what her next plans are. She answers them all in stride with a big smile on her face. She's still holding the flowers her mother gave her, which adds a nice effect to her interviews.
"Aren't you Isabella Swan?" My daze is broken by the question. Isabella. I cringe. I look up like a frozen raccoon about to get run over by car in the street. Reporters are looking toward me to answer. A camera man turns to me with the light on top of the lens blinding me. I have to blink my eyes to readjust to the probing light and people now surrounding me.
"Yes, she is. She's also my good friend and personal assistant," Alice quips next to me. All I do is smile. I really hope this isn't a live taping.
"How'd you manage to become Alice Brandon's assistant?" asks a woman who practically shoves her microphone in my face.
"Lots of pleading on my part," chuckles my friend.
The media crew laughs along with her and after giving them a short answer on how I acquired the role she shifts gears and talks about her mother, who's her biggest inspiration, was able to make it out tonight. And as if on cue, Esme is beside her. They're both natural talkers when it comes to facing the camera. I'm thankful she didn't subject me to their questions. Yes, they are simple enough but I really didn't like being in the spotlight. The small role I had in Aro's film was different since the focus wasn't really on me—it was on Edward.
Suddenly just like that, I'm reminded of him. I frown a little but try to mask it quickly with a smile as if I'm paying attention to their interview. Not once have I heard from him today. I'd email him but I don't know his email address. Maybe Alice does? But I don't want to interrupt this happy moment in her designing career by bringing her down with my boyfriend dilemma and changing her mood. I know she won't appreciate it and probably just tell me to get over it.
The media finally scatter to interview other celebrities in attendance to Alice's first fashion show. Just then, I see someone take the opportunity to approach her. "You're just as lovely as ever. Congratulations."
She turns around, her inner light shining brightly on her features. "Jasper!" The Hobbit almost drops the bouquet in her hands when she reaches up to wrap her arms around her boyfriend's neck. Her mother takes the flowers from her so she can reunite with him the way she intends to. "What are you doing here? I thought you were stuck in Frankfurt." She touches his face and arms to make sure he wasn't a figment of her imagination.
Jasper grins widely at her inspection of him. "I would never miss your first show. I was able to get two days off to come see you." He hands her another bouquet of flowers, just as beautiful as the ones Esme gave her.
Blushing and on Cloud 9, Alice goes on her tip-toes and gives him a chaste kiss. "Thanks, babe."
He smiles down at her and then turns his attention to her mother. "Hi, Esme." He gives her a hug. "It's good to see you."
"You, too, Jasper," she smiles her very friendly smile. "I'm glad you could make it."
"Did you just get here?" asks Alice.
"I arrived a little after the show started. I stayed near the back and waited until you were done being showered with all the congratulations and the media," he smirks.
"I love you, Jas. You're the best." You can tell by those simple words how he just made her entire month. It's not hard to tell how deeply in love they are with each other. A pang of jealousy hits me knowing my own boyfriend is unreachable.
"I love you, too," he says shyly—probably because he has an audience next to him. "Hey, Bella," he also greets me with a big hug. "How are you enjoying Milan so far?"
"It's been pretty…interesting," I nod with a hidden smile. Alice raises her eyebrow at me but quickly replaces it with a smile when he looks at her. I know she doesn't want Jasper knowing what we did last night in those skimpy little outfits we were in.
"Who's hungry? I sure am!" she interrupts anything else Jasper might ask me about my stay in Milan.
"How about we go to Da Giacomo's?" Esme suggests. "I haven't been there in ages and it's within walking distance."
"Perfect! I love that place," Alice smiles.
The restaurant is about a 15-minute walk from the fashion district. It reminds of an old style Mediterranean kitchen. Very cozy with green-painted ornate wooden paneling surmounted by embossed wallpaper, stucco details, arches, patterned graniglia floor, and white linen tables with short-stemmed roses in small vases. I'm surprised by her mother's choice in restaurant. I pictured us in a fancy restaurant with ridiculously priced appetizers and desserts. "My mother knows the owner here," Alice whispers. "This place is popular among designers, architects, and other celebrities. You'd be surprised how a lot of people in the industry don't eat at the glitzy bars and restaurants here. They prefer Giacomo's."
I think I would, too. It reminds me of home and almost like I'm going to get a home cooked meal, which I kind of miss. Even though I did all the cooking when I lived with Charlie, I miss the feeling of being in the kitchen. At Aro's there's usually food already made by his personal chef so all I had to do was open one of the tupperware in the fridge and nuke it for a few minutes. He keeps food for me separate from Aro since my uncle is big on meat and I'm not.
The restaurant is crowded but we're seated immediately. Apparently the owner is out ill tonight so Esme leaves a message with the hostess to tell him she sends her greeting. I'm not familiar with the menu so I asked Alice to order for me. She orders me a simple pasta plate with mushrooms, which is absolutely delicious! The garnishing makes it look like a masterpiece. The restaurant might look like an old familiar family restaurant you grew up going to, but the prices and the food are no joke. Now I know why celebrities of all kinds like to come here. The steak and seafood looks top notch like something you would get at a five star restaurant in L.A. I don't know what they taste like but just the presentation alone looks like a master chef made it.
"So, Bella. What are your plans when you get back to Los Angeles?" Esme asks over dessert. I opt out, sipping on wine instead.
"Actually, mom, Bella is my new assistant," Alice smiles, answering for me.
"Oh, really? Well, how nice. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from Alice."
I half-smile. I guess she didn't hear Alice announce it earlier to the media. "I'd like to. In the meantime, I just hope I don't trip on my own two feet while I'm learning."
"You're doing fine, Bella," Alice casually rolls her eyes at me. "You should really give yourself more credit."
"You seem to do well under pressure. I'm sure Alice is right," Esme winks at me. How does she know that? Was she watching us backstage earlier?
"No, Esme—I got it," Jasper reaches for the bill.
But Esme is a second faster than he is. "Oh, don't be silly. I rarely see any of you these days. It's the least I can do to celebrate my daughter's first fashion show." She opens the checkbook and raises an eyebrow. "It looks like our meal is free."
"Free?" Alice asks confused.
"Apparently Giacomo's granddaughter called him telling him we are here. He sends his congratulations to you." She shows Alice the piece of paper that looks like a receipt, except it's a handwritten note.
"Aww, well that was sweet of him," she smiles at the note. Esme puts a generous tip in the checkbook and stands. "Shall we?" We follow in pursuit but not before she and Alice give the owner's granddaughter a hug and a thank you. She looks to be a few years older with dark eyes and auburn hair. Very tall and beautiful—of course. She smiles timidly at me like she recognizes me. I give her a half-smile in return.
Once we get to our hotel, Esme gives her parking ticket to the valet. "You're not staying here?" asks Jasper.
"No, not this time. I'm staying closer to the airport." She turns to Alice and places her hands on her arms, rubbing them gently. "I'm sorry our time is so short, honey, but I need to get back to Santorini in the morning. I'm doing some mentoring there with students who are looking into becoming designers."
"Thanks for being here, mom," Alice gives her a loving embrace. "I love you."
"I love you, too, sweetie. Tell your brothers not to work so hard and to call me more often. I haven't heard from either one of them in a while."
"I will," she nods. It's strange that she hasn't heard from Edward either. I know he talks to his mother pretty frequently. Emmett, on the other hand, I don't know how often they keep in touch.
"Bella, my dear," she holds both my hands," I'm glad we've finally gotten a chance to meet. You seem like a lovely, sweet girl, and I'm glad Edward has found you."
Immediately, I blush. "Thank you…" I reply quietly. "You're very kind."
"My only advice to you is to take care of each other." I nod at her words, not really knowing how to answer her. I love Edward and will do what I can to make him happy to be with me.
"Have a safe flight, Esme," Jasper embraces her.
"Take care of my baby girl," she playfully threatens him.
"Yes, ma'am," he grins.
When the three of us are left, Alice practically begs me if it's okay that she stay with Jasper tonight in his room. After not seeing him for almost a month there's no way I can deprive her a reunion night with her man. Plus, she'll probably never forgive me. I say yes to her, of course, and joke that it'll be nice to have the king bed all to myself. Jasper gives her one of his room keys so she can get some of her things together before their private slumber party.
"You sure you'll be okay here by yourself tonight?" she asks while brushing her teeth.
I roll my eyes. "Yes, Alice. I've slept alone before."
"I know, but I feel bad leaving you when it's supposed to be our weekend together."
"You didn't know Jasper was going to surprise you by being here. Besides, we still have a couple of days before we go back home. And it'll be nice to venture around with Jasper. The three of us haven't hung out in a while." And it was true. Alice and I would have our moments together but sometimes Jasper would be with us bar hopping or showing support with Alice's new projects. They're very lovey-dovey but rarely do they make me feel like the third wheel, which is a relief in itself.
"Thanks for being so understanding, Bella," she sits down next to me on the couch. "I know it's not easy seeing Jasper and I together right now, given the weird situation with Edward, but don't worry too much about it. Okay?"
I nod solemnly. "Yeah, I'll try. I just wish I knew what he was doing and why I can't get a hold of him." She fishes her phone out of her purse and hits the speed dial button. I can hear the phone ringing on the other end. Is she trying to call Edward, too?
"Emmett?...It's Alice. Where's Edward?" My heart rate quickens. She's gotten a hold of Emmett! Maybe he can ease my stressed out nerves. "He's what?…With what?...Oh, I see…Well, Bella's been trying to get a hold him. Tell Edward to call her, will you?...Okay. Thanks…Love you." She hangs up and sighs.
"Well? What'd he say?" I'm at the edge of my seat, listening attentively.
"Edward's been in back-to-back script meetings and interviews since they landed. Rosalie wants to give him as much exposure as possible so he has other projects to keep him busy before Aro's movie is released a few months from now. It also looks like his phone was stolen, that's why it's disconnected. He may have a new number."
A wave of relief washes over me. I feel better knowing he's just been busy and not deliberately ignoring me. "Thanks Alice."
"Do you want me to get his new number from Emmett?"
"No…it's okay. He's busy. I'm sure he'll call me."
"Okay, if you're sure," she stands up. "Just let me know if you change your mind." She grabs her small bag of clothes and toiletries, and takes the key card Jasper gave her from the kitchen counter. "Let's all have brunch tomorrow at eleven. We can meet in the lobby."
"Sure."
"Thanks again for being by my side tonight," she gives me lingering hug.
"Thanks for trusting me not to muck things up." She shows a comforting smile before leaving our room. I quietly close the door behind her and sigh against it. Left to my thoughts, I think about Edward more than ever. I knew there had to be a reason why I couldn't get a hold of him. But why hasn't he once tried calling or contacting me in some way? I understand he's busy and his phone was stolen, but surely he could have left a message with Emmett or Rosalie to pass along to me. Does he not know the worried state he's had me in? It all seems so…out of character for him.
Brushing my teeth and changing for bed, I lay awake staring at the ceiling. Things seem to be okay, but I still can't help brush off the intuition I have that something's wrong—something's not right with Edward. I punch my pillow a few times to get it to a comfortable shape and switch to my side. I'm sure it's nothing. The distance must have me feeling paranoid. Forcing myself to sleep, I'm soon lost in a dreamless dream.
Author's Note: Do you really think Bella has anything to worry about? Or could it really be all in her head?
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